The mystery neighbor on the show was less obscure than the actor who portrayed him

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The identity of the actor who played the Ugly Naked Guy on "Friends" has been revealed after an over -year-long journey by a persistent Huffington Post reporter.

One of "Friends'" longest, lingering mysteries has finally been solved.

It's been over 12 years since fans said good-bye to Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Joey and Phoebe, when the beloved sitcom aired its final episode on May 6, 2004. After the door closed on apartment #5 one question remained unanswered as the credits rolled for the last time: Just who was The Ugly Naked Guy?

Ugly Naked Guy, a nudist who lived across the street from Monica and Rachel's apartment, was often referenced on the show. According to Phoebe, in "The One with the Flashbacks," he used to be cute before he became overweight.

In "The One Where Everybody Finds Out," Ugly Naked Guy moves out, sparking a bribery frenzy among contenders desperate to take over his sublet. Ross Gellar (David Schimmer) scores the coveted apartment after bonding in the nude with the naturist over mini muffins.

"Friends" never referenced Ugly Naked Guy in subsequent episodes. The mystery man who played the cello, enjoyed using a ThighMaster and slept in a hammock was less obscure than the actor who portrayed him. Van Luling wrote that he embarked on a year long-over journey to identify Haugen.

Asked why he stayed quiet all these years, Haugen said "because I was just keeping it mellow because Warner Brothers was keeping it mellow. They wanted everybody to have a guess who I was.”